ISL 2019-20 Rumours: NorthEast United set to replace Asamoah Gyan with ex-Arsenal forward

With marquee signing Asamoah Gyan out injured for the rest of the season, Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC are looking to bring in at least two new signings in the next couple of days.

In an otherwise ordinary season, Gyan and his goals seemed to be the only silver lining for the Highlanders. The club is winless in six straight matches and have fallen behind in the race for the playoffs. Last season, they had managed to make it to the last four, but this season their problems have only compounded.

Now, head coach Robert Jarni wants to make a couple of new signings in a bid to find a way back. He knows that not all is lost yet but work needs to be done in this transfer window. Speaking at the post-match conference after the FC Goa defeat, Jarni said, “Gyan is injured and I think in one or two days we will get two new players."

As per reports, the Highlanders have identified a replacement already. They have apparently held talks with former Arsenal striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and are on the verge of signing him, subject to a medical.

The 29-year-old forward comes with bags of experience under his belt, having come through the ranks at Arsenal. Touted to be one of the future stars, he even captained the u-18 Arsenal side and made a couple of Premier League appearances for the senior side. But the Englishman could never really realise his full potential.

Thomas lost his way as a flurry of loan moves saw him turning out for Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers and Cardiff City. He then made a permanent move to Ipswich Town following which he enjoyed stints in the Championship and the English League One before moving to Thailand League 1 outfit PTT Rayong. However, he was not able to make a mark there, scoring just one goal in 11 league appearances.